Gulf Oil Spill 2010: Protecting Yourself After a Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico

Hurricanes and tropical storms can present a number of hazards for residents of coastal communities and response workers. The 2010 hurricane season brings concerns about protecting residents and workers in impacted areas from exposure to contaminated waters as a result of the Deepwater Horizon fire, explosion and the continuing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. For steps to protect workers and volunteers responding on-shore to hurricanes from the Gulf of Mexico, seehttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/oilspillresponse/hurricanes.html.

Below are some tips for families and communities who are concerned that they, their pets, or their property may come in contact with dirty water, oil, or sludge after a hurricane or tropical storm.

Health protection for families:

After a storm, dirty water can make you and your family sick.

You should avoid skin contact with dirty water.

If skin contact does occur, wash your skin with soap and clean water.

You can remove oil or tar from your skin with baby oil or suntan lotion.

Do not use gasoline, chemicals, or industrial cleaners to clean your skin or the skin of your children or pets.

Wash your hands often, especially before preparing food, before eating, after using the toilet, and after clean-up activities.

Health protection related to pets or other animals:

Animals and pets may be scared and stressed after a natural disaster.

Scared and stressed animals may be more likely to bite or scratch you.

Do not approach animals that are not familiar to you and be careful around animals that you know.

Remain still if an unfamiliar animal comes toward you.

Do not:

Make direct eye contact with an unfamiliar animal

Disturb an animal that is sleeping, eating, or caring for its babies

Allow children to play with unfamiliar animals without the owner’s permission and adult supervision